We have had a hot summer so far and finding ways to stay cool is a must. When you don't have a pool, and the local beach is packed, you may feel like sitting in front of your AC is all you can do.

There is another option, and there are many of them in our area, gorges.

A gorge is defined as a narrow water way, like a stream or creek, that is below tower hills. It's really a water way that eroded the rock bed it was running through and collapsed to create a gorge.

We live in an area that has tons of these gorges due to the fact this area was shaped by the movement of glaciers during the ice ages.

While these big chunks of ice were carving out the lakes that we know and love like the Finger Lakes, they also created waterfalls off of towering cliffs. Those waterfalls have rivers and streams that run below them, and over time, they create gorges.

You don't have to drive very far in any direction through Central New York to find a gorge waiting for you.  

Now, remember I said you may want to hike a gorge in the heat if you can't find a spot to take a dip. The reason why is that gorges are cool, I mean cooler then the surrounding areas, but also COOL!

Since gorges are lower then the surrounding landscape, and warm air naturally rises and cooler air sinks, you have natures air conditioning! 

Gorges are also shaded by the trees that sit on higher hills that run along the water along with other shading plants. Running water along the gorge keeps the surrouding area cool as well as provides opportunites to dip your feet in or take a quick swim (only if permitted depending on location). 

Did I forge to mention the best part? Gorges have waterfalls! Not only are waterfalls beautiful and magestic, but the mist they provide is another check in the "beat the heat" column!  

A good place to start looking to find a gorge you can easily access is New York State Parks. Once you start exploring, you'll never have to worry about finding a friend with a pool again!